Around 100 independent retailers from all over the UK and the Republic of Ireland held a rally in Westminster on 11th February against the government’s plan to put tobacco in plain packs.
After meeting with MPs Nick de Bois and Gerry Sutcliffe to share concerns about the damaging impact that such a move would have on public health and the businesses of independent retailers, members of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents donned plain masks and t-shirts saying ‘NFRN says no to plain packaging’ before marching to the Department of Health to make clear their opposition to the plans.
NFRN National President Martyn Brown said: “The fact that so many retailers came to London today should send a very clear message to the government about the strength of feeling against plain packs.”
During the rally, Brown urged NFRN members to play a part in getting the government’s plan overturned. He said: “Put pen to paper and write to your MP. Even better, invite your MP to your shop. Talk to your customers and get them to tell your MPs that they don’t want plain packs either.”
Brown argued that plain packaging was not needed, as all tobacco displays would soon be hidden out of sight, and that the results would be in an increased illicit tobacco trade and a rise in underage smoking. He concluded: “Plain packaging is not the answer.”
